Image transmission apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image transmission apparatus includes an image input unit, an identification data input unit, a receiving unit, a transmission unit, a transmission permitting unit, and a transmission control unit. The image input unit allows image data to be input therefrom. The identification data input unit allows identification data to be input thereto for permission to transmit the image data input. The receiving unit receives transmission information relating to an image transmission request transmitted from an image transmission requester. The transmission unit transmits the image data input. The transmission permitting unit determines whether or not to permit the transmission of the image data based on the identification data input and the transmission information received. The transmission control unit allows the image data input to be transmitted through the transmission unit where the transmission permitting unit determines to permit the transmission of the image data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus havinga function of transmitting image data.

2. Description of Related Art

A related art image transmission apparatus having a function oftransmitting image data, for example, serves as a seamier, amulti-functional peripheral (hereafter referred to as MFP), aphotocopier, or a facsimile device. Such a related art imagetransmission apparatus is accessed from a terminal such as a personalcomputer on a network by a method, for example, disclosed in PatentDocument 1 listed below. Patent Document 1 discloses the method forpreventing multiple accesses by connection of the scanner and thenetwork through a server capable of not allowing the scanner to beaccessed from a plurality of terminals at the same time. Accordingly,the multiple access prevention method allows a request from one terminal(also referred to as a first terminal) to be accepted at a time. In acase where a connection request is provided from another terminal (alsoreferred to as a second terminal) in a state that the scanner is beingconnected to the first terminal, the multiple access prevention methoddoes not allow the request from the second terminal to be accepted.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application PublicationNo. 2000-112867

In a case where a connection to the related art image transmissionapparatus is first attempted from a terminal to which the image data arenot intended to be transmitted, however, the related image transmissionapparatus has the likelihood of transmitting the image data to the wrongor unintended terminal. Consequently, the related art transmission maynot be satisfactory in terms of technology.

The present invention is proposed in consideration of the aforementionedsituations, and provides an image transmission apparatus capable oftransmitting image data to a destination to which the image data areintended to be transmitted, thereby reducing wrong transmission of theimage data based on an image transmission request from an unintendedrequester.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, an image transmissionapparatus includes: an image input unit allowing image data to be inputtherefrom; an identification data input unit allowing identificationdata to be input thereto for permission to transmit the image datainput; a receiving unit receiving transmission information relating toan image transmission request transmitted from an image transmissionrequester; a transmission unit transmitting the image data input; atransmission permitting unit determining whether or not to permit thetransmission of the image data based on the identification data inputand the transmission information received; and a transmission controlunit allowing the image data input to be transmitted through thetransmission unit where the transmission permitting unit determines topermit the transmission of the image data.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be morefully apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments,the accompanying drawings and the associated claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the aspects of the present invention andmany of the attendant advantage thereof will be readily obtained as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmissionapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an image reading unit in theimage transmission apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit relating to anoriginal document placement sensor in the image reading unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating a case wherean original document is not placed on the image reading unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating a case wherethe original document is placed on the image reading unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmission systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation panel in theimage transmission apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an input example of theoperation panel of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imagetransmission request command to be received by a receiving unit in theimage transmission apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example operating procedure ofthe image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication procedure ina case where transmission is permitted by a transmission permitting unitin the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imagetransmission request command to be transmitted from a personal computer;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication procedure ina case where the transmission is rejected by the transmission permittingunit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmissionapparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an input example of anoperation panel in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imagetransmission request command to be received by a receiving unit in theimage transmission apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example operating procedure ofthe image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first communicationprocedure in a case where transmission is permitted by a transmissionpermitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second communicationprocedure in a case where the transmission is permitted by thetransmission permitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG.14;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an imagetransmission request command transmitted from the personal computer;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication procedure ina case where the transmission is rejected by the transmission permittingunit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmissionapparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An image transmission apparatus according to preferred embodiments ofthe present invention is now described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The embodiments,therefore, may be modified or varied without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specificterminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosureof the patent specification is not intended to be limited to thespecific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner. Preferred embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in detail referring to the drawings, wherein like referencenumerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout theseveral views.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 6, an image transmission system according to a firstembodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a schematicdiagram.

The image transmission system includes a local area network (hereafterreferred to as LAN) 1. The LAN 1 is connected with an image transmissionapparatus 10 and a plurality of image processing apparatuses 201, 202such as personal computers (may be abbreviated as PC as necessary). TheLAN 1 is also connected with a terminal (not shown) such as a domainname system server (hereafter referred to as DNS server). For example,the image transmission apparatus 10 serves as a scanner, and has anInternet protocol address (hereafter referred to as IP address)“192.168.100.100.” Each of the personal computers 201, 202 performs aprogramming process of image data based on the control by a centralprocessing unit (hereafter referred to as CPU). For example, thepersonal computer 201 has the IP address “192.168.100.101” while thepersonal computer 202 has the IP address “192.168.100.102.”

Referring to FIG. 1, the image transmission apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 6is illustrated in a schematic diagram.

The image transmission apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention is, for example, the scanner employing a flat-bedmethod. The image transmission apparatus 10 includes: an identificationdata input unit (e.g., operation panel) 11 allowing identification datato be input thereto to set an image data destination to which the imagedata are transmitted; a destination information storage unit 12 storingtherein the identification data of the image data destination set by theoperation panel 11; a receiving unit 13 connected to the LAN 1; atransmission permitting unit 14; a transmission control unit 15; animage reading unit 16 reading the original document and outputting theimage data; an image memory 17 storing therein the image data outputfrom the image reading unit 16; and a transmission unit 18 connected tothe LAN 1.

The receiving unit 13 receives transmission information (also referredto as transmission data) relating to an image data transmission requestcommand transmitted through the LAN 1 from the personal computers 201,202 serving as image transmission requesters, and outputs the imagetransmission request command (e.g., CD10 or CD20) among the transmissiondata received. The receiving unit 13 includes an output side connectedwith the transmission permitting unit 14, and the destinationinformation storage unit 12 includes an output side connected with thetransmission permitting unit 14. The identification data to be input tothe operation panel 11 serving as the identification data input unit areunique information identifying, for example, the personal computers 201,202 serving as the image transmission requesters.

The transmission permitting unit 14 determines whether to permit thetransmission based on comparison between the identification data of theimage data destination stored in the destination information storageunit 12 and the image transmission request command (e.g., CD10, CD20)output from the receiving unit 13. Where the identification data and theimage transmission request command agree with each other, thetransmission permitting unit 14 provides a transmission instruction. Thetransmission permitting unit 14 includes an output side connected withthe transmission control unit 15. The transmission control unit 15 isconnected with: the image reading unit 16; the image memory 17 storingthe image data output from the image reading unit 16; and thetransmission unit 18 transmitting the image data input to the LAN 1. Theimage reading unit 16 serves as an image input unit allowing the imagedata to be input therefrom. The image reading unit 16, for example,reads the original document and outputs the image data.

The transmission control unit 15 has functions of controlling theinstruction with respect to the image reading unit 16 to read the imageand the instruction with respect to the transmission unit 18 to transmitthe image data by acquisition of the image data stored in the imagememory 17 according to the instruction provided by the transmissionpermitting unit 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, the image reading unit 16 of FIG. 1 is illustratedin a perspective view.

The image reading unit 16 includes: an original document table 16 a onwhich the original document to be read by the image reading unit 16 isplaced; an original document pressing plate 16 b, disposed in anopenable and closable manner, covering the original document placed onthe original document table 16 a; a pressing plate open-close sensor 16c detecting the open and closed states of the original document pressingplate 16 b; an original document placement sensor 16 d detecting whetheror not the original document is placed on the original document table 16a; a hinge mechanism 16 e, including a first hinge 161 e and a secondhinge 162 e, attaching the original document pressing plate 16 b to theoriginal document plate 16 a; and an optical unit 16 f reading theoriginal document.

The original document pressing plate 16 b is attached to an end portionof the original document table 16 a in an openable and closable mannerby the hinge mechanism 16 e.

The pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is disposed in the end portionof the original document table 16 a and in a middle portion between thefirst hinge 161 e and the second hinge 162 e. The pressing plateopen-close sensor 16 c determines whether or not the original documentpressing plate 16 b is closed based on the conduction of a mechanicalsensor (not shown) such as a TACT switch (trademark). Herein, themechanical sensor is pressed when the original document pressing plate16 e is closed, so that the mechanical sensor becomes electricallyconductive.

The original document placement sensor 16 d is disposed on an innerright side of the original document table 16 a. Herein, the inner rightside of the original document table 16 a is found as seen from an arrowof FIG. 2. The original document placement sensor 16 d allows a lightemitting diode 42 (described later) and the like to emit illuminationlight, and allows a photodiode 43 (described later) and the like todetect the illumination light reflected by the original document or theoriginal document pressing plate 16 b, so that the original documentplacement sensor 16 d detects whether the image reading unit 16 is inone of the following states: the original document pressing plate 16 bis open; the original document is placed in such a manner as to contactthe inner right side of the original document table 16 a; and theoriginal document is not placed in such a manner as to contact the innerright side of the original document table 16 a while the originaldocument pressing plate 16 b is closed.

The optical unit 16 f is vertically disposed inside the originaldocument table 16 a, and is moved by a drive unit (not shown) in ahorizontal direction as seen from the arrow of FIG. 2. Accordingly, theoptical unit 16 f reads the original document placed on the originaldocument table 16 a.

Each of the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c and the originaldocument placement sensor 16 d includes an output side connected with aninput side of the transmission control unit 15. The original documentplacement sensor 16 d detects the presence or absence of the originaldocument on the image reading unit 16, and serves as an image datachange detection unit detecting a change of the image data relating tothe original document.

Referring to FIG. 3, a circuit relating to the original documentplacement sensor 16 d is illustrated in a circuit diagram.

The circuit relating to the original document placement sensor 16 dincludes: a transistor 41; the light emitting diode 42 driven by thetransistor 41; the photodiode 43 detecting reflection of theillumination light emitted by the light emitting diode 42; an amplifier44 amplifying an output signal detected by the photodiode 43; and areflection light detector 45 detecting the output signal amplified bythe amplifier 44.

An illumination light controller 40 outputs an output signal having avoltage of 5 V when detecting whether or not the original document isplaced. The output signal allows the transistor 41 to turn ON, so thatthe light emitting diode 42 is driven and emits the illumination light.The original document or the original document pressing plate 16 breflects the illumination light emitted from the light emitting diode42, and the photodiode 43 detects the reflection of the illuminationlight. Subsequently, the illumination light is amplified by theamplifier 44 and is input to the reflection light detector 45. The imagereading unit 16 is, for example, in one of the following states: theoriginal document is not placed while the original document pressingplate 16 b is not detected; the original document is placed; and theoriginal document pressing table 16 b is detected. The states of theimage reading unit 16 are distinguished from one another according to avoltage level of the signal input to the refection light detector 45.

Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the image reading unit 16 of FIG. 2 ina case where the original document is not placed is illustrated incross-sectional views.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is open asillustrated in FIG. 4A, the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is notbeing pressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b, therebybeing not conductive. Since the original document is not placed on theoriginal document table 16 a, and the original document pressing plate16 b is open, the photodiode 43 of the original document placementsensor 16 d hardly detects the reflection light when the light emittingdiode 42 of the original document placement sensor 16 d emits theillumination light.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is closed asillustrated in FIG. 4B, the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c ispressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b, thereby becomingconductive. When the light emitting diode 42 of the original documentplacement sensor 16 d emits the illumination light, the illuminationlight is reflected by a side surface of the original document placementsensor 16 d, and the photodiode 43 of the original document placementsensor 16 d detects the reflection light reflected by the side surface.Since the original document pressing plate 16 b is made of a materialhaving a property of providing a strong reflection light, the reflectionlight reflected by the side surface thereof can be distinguished fromthe reflection light reflected by the original document.

Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the image reading unit 16 of FIG. 2 ina case where the original document is placed is illustrated incross-sectional views.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is open asillustrated in FIG. 5A, the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is notbeing pressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b as similar toFIG. 4A, thereby being not conductive. Since the original document isplaced on the original document table 16 a, the photodiode 43 of theoriginal document placement sensor 16 d detects the reflection lightreflected by the original document when the light emitting diode 42 ofthe original document placement sensor 16 d emits the illuminationlight.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is closed asillustrated in FIG. 5B, the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c ispressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b as similar to FIG.4B, thereby becoming conductive. Since the original document is placedon the original document table 16 a, the photodiode 43 of the originaldocument placement sensor 16 d detects the reflection light reflected bythe original document when the light emitting diode 42 of the originaldocument placement sensor 16 d emits the illumination light.

Referring to FIG. 7, the operation panel 11 of FIG. 1 is illustrated ina schematic diagram.

The operation panel 11, for example, includes: a display unit 11 adisplaying thereon the image data destination which is input by a user;an input key 11 b for the input of the destination; a cursor key 11 c; abackspace key 11 d; and a setting key 11 e.

The display unit 11 a displays thereon, for example, an IP address ofthe destination, a domain name of the terminal of the destinationregistered in the DNS server. A character string is input using theinput key 11 b and displayed on the display unit 11 a. The cursor key 11c is used to move a cursor displayed on the display unit 11 a. Thebackspace key 11 d can be used to delete a characters or charactersdisplayed on the display unit 11 a. The setting key 11 e is used toconfirm the destination displayed on the display unit 11 a.

Referring to FIG. 8, an input example of the operation panel 11 of FIG.7 is illustrated. For example, in a case where the IP address“192.168.100.101” of the personal computer 201 is input as the imagedata destination, the display unit 11 a displays thereon“192.168.100.101” as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, an example of the image transmission requestcommand CD10 to be received by the receiving unit 13 in the imagetransmission apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. For example, theimage transmission request command CD10 includes: a destination dataCD11; a scan mode data CD12; a color mode data CD13; an originaldocument size data CD14; and a resolution data CD15.

The destination data CD11, for example, represents destinationinformation indicating the destination of the image data. Herein, thedestination information, is for example, the IP address“192.168.100.101.” The scan mode data CD12 represents informationindicating a location of the original document to be read, or namely areading location. For example, an auto document feeder (hereafterreferred to as ADF) is designated as the reading location in FIG. 9. Inaddition to the ADF, a flat bed and the like can be designated as thereading location. The color mode data CD13 represents color informationof the image data to be generated by reading the original document. Forexample, the image data having the 24 bits color are designated in FIG.9. The original document size data CD14 represents the size of theoriginal document to be read by the image transmission apparatus 10. Forexample, the size standard A4 is designated as the original documentsize in FIG. 9. In a case where the size of the original document isautomatically detected, “automatic” can be designated. The resolutiondata CD15 represents the resolution used to read the original document.For example, the resolution of 300 dpi is designated in FIG. 9.

A description is now given of example operation of the imagetransmission system according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. Particularly, the description is given by comparison of arelated art example case in which first and second original documentsare set in a related art image transmission apparatus at differenttimings by a first user using a first personal computer and a seconduser using a second personal computer respectively, and an example casein which the original documents AA, BB are set in the image transmissionapparatus 10 by a user A using the personal computer 201 and a user Busing the personal computer 202 respectively in the image transmissionsystem of FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

Assuming that the first user using the first personal computer goes tothe related art image transmission apparatus to set the first originaldocument and returns to the first personal computer at a timing T1. Thefirst user attempts to activate reading operation of the related imagetransmission apparatus using an application on the first personalcomputer at a timing T2. Assuming that the second user using the secondpersonal computer removes the first original document set by the firstuser from the related art image transmission apparatus, and places thesecond original document to make a copy between the timings T1 and T2.In such a case, the second original document is read when the first useractivates the reading operation at the timing T2.

According to the first embodiment, on the other hand, when the user Agoes to the image transmission apparatus 10 to set the original documentAA, and the destination of the image data to be scanned is set (e.g.,FIG. 8), the reading operation is allowed only where the destination isincluded in reading operation activation information (e.g., FIG. 9)provided from the personal computers 201, 202.

A description is now given of the operation of the image transmissionapparatus 10. Herein, the description is given by comparison of arelated art example case and an example case of the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

When the image data read by the related art image transmission apparatusare transmitted to the first or second personal computer, the user setsthe original document in the related art image transmission apparatus,and then uses the related art image transmission apparatus to designatethe destination of the image data to be transmitted. The readingoperation of the image data is performed by a related art image readingmethod.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, on the otherhand, the user uses the application programs on the personal computers201, 202 being familiar thereto to designate the destination of theimage data after setting the original document in the image transmissionapparatus 10, so that the reading operation is performed. Since thepersonal computers 201, 202 familiar to the user can be used, the imagereading method according to the first embodiment can be preferred overthe related art image reading method in a case where the user prefers aspecific reading method, for example, in need of specific designation.The operation of the image transmission apparatus 10 is described indetail below.

Referring to a flowchart of FIG. 10, an example operating procedure ofthe image transmission apparatus 10 is illustrated.

The image transmission apparatus 10 enters into a personal scan mode(hereafter referred to as PS mode) when a plurality of prescribed keyson the operation panel 11 are pressed for a prescribed time period, forexample, when the pound sign (#) key and the asterisk (*) key aresimultaneously pressed for greater than or equal to 5 seconds. The PSmode represents a mode used in a case of transmitting the image data tothe destination from the image transmission apparatus 10.

When a process of the PS mode in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 isstarted, the image transmission apparatus 10 allows the display unit 11a to display “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT DESTINATION OFSCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S1). The image transmissionapparatus 10 allows the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c to detectthe open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16b (step S2). Where the open and close operation of the original documentpressing plate 16 b is detected (Yes in step S2), and where the originaldocument is detected by the original document placement sensor 16 d asbeing set on the image reading unit 16 (step S3), the image transmissionapparatus 10 allows the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUTDESTINATION” thereon (step S4). The process of steps S2, S3 detects theopen and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b,that is, the user opens the original document pressing plate 16 b to setthe original document on the original document table 16 a of the imagereading unit 16 and closes the original document pressing plate 16 b.Where the open and close operation of the original document pressingplate 16 b is not detected by the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c(No in step S2), or where the original document is not detected by theoriginal document placement sensor 16 d as being set on the originaldocument table 16 a on the image reading unit 16 (No in step S3), theflow returns to step S2.

After allowing the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUTDESTINATION” thereon (step S4), the image transmission apparatus 10determines whether or not the original document placement sensor 16 ddetects that the original document is not set on the original documenttable 16 a of the image reading unit 16 (step S5). Where the originaldocument is not set (No in step S5), the flow returns to step S1. Wherethe original document is set (Yes in step S5), on the other hand, theimage transmission apparatus 10 determines whether or not thedestination (e.g., identification data) is input in the operation panel11, and whether or not the setting key 11 e is pressed (step S6). Wherethe conditions of step 6 are not satisfied, the flow returns to step 5.

Herein, the operation of the image transmission apparatus 10 isdescribed using an example case where the user transmits the image datato the personal computer 201. The image transmission apparatus 10detects the input of the IP address “192.168.100.101” of the personalcomputer 201 in the operation panel 11. Herein, the display unit 11 a onthe display panel 11 is displaying “192.168.100.101” as illustrated inFIG. 8. When the user removes the original document from the imagereading unit 16, the image transmission apparatus 10 detects that theoriginal document is not set on the original document table 16 a of theimage reading unit 16 by the original document placement sensor 16 d,and the flow returns to step S1. The display unit 11 a is again allowedto display “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT DESTINATION OFSCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S1). Where the user presses thesetting key 11 e, that is, the conditions of step 6 are satisfied, flowproceeds to step S7.

Where the destination is determined as being input in step S6, thereceiving unit 13 of the image transmission apparatus 10 becomes in areception waiting state of the image transmission request command CD10as illustrated in FIG. 9 (step S7). The image transmission apparatus 10determines by the original document placement sensor 16 d whether or notthe original document is not set on the original document table 16 a ofthe image reading unit 16 (step S8). Where the original document is notset (No in step S8), the flow returns to step S1. After the destinationis input, the image transmission apparatus 10 determines whether acertain time period has elapsed without receiving the image transmissionrequest command CD10 (step S9). Where the certain time period haselapsed (Yes in step S9), the flow of FIG. 10 is finished, therebyending the PS mode and returning to a normal mode. Where the certaintime period has not elapsed (No in step S9), on the other hand, theimage transmission apparatus 10 determines whether or not the receivingunit 13 has received the image transmission request command CD10 asillustrated in FIG. 9 through the LAN 1 (step S10). Where the imagetransmission request command CD10 is not received (No in step S10), theflow returns to step S8.

Where the image transmission request command CD10 is received (Yes instep S10), on the other hand, the image transmission apparatus 10transmits the received image transmission request command CD10 withrespect to the transmission permitting unit 14. The transmissionpermitting unit 14 determines whether or not the information of thedestination (e.g., identification data) input in the operation panel 11and the destination information (e.g., the destination data CD11 of FIG.9) included in the image transmission request command CD10 received bythe receiving unit 13 agree with each other (step S11). Where theinformation of the destination (e.g., identification data) input in theoperation panel 11 and the destination information (e.g., thedestination data CD11 of FIG. 9) included in the image transmissionrequest command CD10 agree to each other (Yes in step S11), thetransmission permitting unit 14 permits the transmission control unit 15the transmission of the image data. Where the information of thedestination (e.g., identification data) and the destination information(e.g., the destination data CD11 of FIG. 9) do not agree with each other(No in step S11), on the other hand, the flow of FIG. 10 is finished,thereby ending the PS mode and returning to a normal mode.

When the transmission of the image data is permitted by the transmissionpermitting unit 14, the transmission control unit 15 instructs withrespect to the image reading unit 16 to start reading the originaldocument (step S12). The transmission control unit 15 instructs withrespect to the transmission unit 18 to transmit the image data to thedestination address set in the operation panel 11 (step S13). The imagetransmission apparatus 10 is on standby until the transmission of theimage data is finished (step S14). Where the transmission is finished(Yes in step S14), the flow of FIG. 10 is finished, thereby ending thePS mode and returning to a normal mode.

Referring to FIG. 11, a description is given of an example communicationprocedure in a case where the transmission permitting unit 14 shown inFIG. 1 permits the transmission according to the first embodiment.Particularly, the description is given using an example procedure ofcommunications between the image transmission apparatus 10 shown in FIG.1 and the personal computer 201 when the image data are transmitted tothe personal computer 201 in a normal manner based on the imagetransmission request command CD10 from the personal computer 201 in anattempt to transmit the image data to the personal computer 201 by theimage transmission apparatus 10.

According to the first embodiment, a transmission control protocol(hereafter referred to as TCP) packet including a TWAIN (TechnologyWithout An Interesting Name) command is used in a payload as a commandbetween the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer201. Since the image transmission request command CD10 is not includedin the TWAIN command, the command as illustrated in FIG. 9 is used.

The communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 and thepersonal computer 201 are started in step S7 in the flowchart of FIG. 9.In the example communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 11, whenthe personal computer 201 starts the communications with the imagetransmission apparatus 10, a synchronize (hereafter referred to as SYN)command is transmitted from the personal computer 201 with respect tothe image transmission apparatus 10 (step S101). The image transmissionapparatus 10 receives the SYN command from the personal computer 201,and transmits a synchronize and acknowledge (SYN and ACK) command (stepS102). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from the imagetransmission apparatus 10, the personal computer 201 transmits anacknowledge (ACK) command with respect to the image transmissionapparatus 10 (step S103). Upon receiving the ACK command from thepersonal computer 201, the image transmission apparatus 10 returns anokay response (hereafter referred to as OK) to the personal computer 201(step S104). At this point, a TCP connection is established between theimage transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 201.

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmissionapparatus 10 and the personal computer 201, the personal computer 201transmits the image transmission request command CD10 as illustrated inFIG. 9 to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S105). Where thedestination (e.g., identification data) of the image input in theoperation panel 11 of the image transmission apparatus 10 and thedestination data CD11 included in the image transmission request commandCD10 agree with each other, the image transmission apparatus 10transmits a Successful command including the TWAIN command in thepayload in the TCP to the personal computer 201 (step S106). Since theimage transmission request command CD10 is accepted, the personalcomputer 201 transmits a Scan command including the TWAIN command in thepayload in the TCP to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S107).Upon receiving the Scan command from the personal computer 201, theimage transmission apparatus 10 starts reading the original document,and transmits the Successful command including the TWAIN command in thepayload in the TCP to the personal computer 201 (step S108).

Subsequently, the personal computer 201 transmits a ReadData commandincluding the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the imagetransmission apparatus 10 to read the image data from the imagetransmission apparatus 10 (step S109). Herein, the data having 100 kilobytes are requested to be read in FIG. 11. The image transmissionapparatus 10 transmits a readable image data size to the personalcomputer 201 with the Successful command (step S110), and transmits theimage data (“ImageData”) which are read to the personal computer 201(step S111). The personal computer 201 transmits the ReadData command ofthe image and continues to read the image data.

In a case where no readable image data remains, the personal computer201 transmits the ReadData command to the image transmission apparatus10 (step S112), and is notified of zero (0) as the size of the imagedata read from the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S113).Accordingly, the personal computer 201 finishes the image reading.

The personal computer 201 cuts the TCP connection established with theimage transmission apparatus 10 towards the end of the procedure in FIG.11. The personal computer 201 transmits a finish (FIN) command to theimage transmission apparatus 10 (step S114). The image transmissionapparatus 10 transmits the ACK command with respect to the personalcomputer 201 (step S115), and then transmits the FIN command withrespect to the personal computer 201 (step S116). Upon receiving the FINcommand from the image transmission apparatus 10, the personal computer201 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10,and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S117).

A description is given of an example communication procedure in a casewhere the transmission permitting unit 14 rejects the transmissionaccording to the first embodiment. The description is given using anexample command as illustrated in FIG. 12 and an example communicationprocedure between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personalcomputer 202 as illustrated in FIG. 13.

The image transmission request command CD20, serving as the examplecommand, to be transmitted from the personal computer 202 is illustratedin FIG. 12. The image transmission request command CD20 includes adestination data CD21, a scan mode data CD22, a color mode data CD23, anoriginal document size data CD24, and a resolution data CD25 as similarto the image transmission request command CD10 of FIG. 9 except for thedestination data CD21. The destination data CD21 has an IP address“192.168.100.102” of the personal computer 202.

The example communication procedure in a case where the transmissionpermitting unit 14 rejects the transmission is illustrated in FIG. 13.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 13, the example communication procedure isdescribed of the communications between the image transmission apparatus10 and the personal computer 202 when the image transmission apparatus10 receives the image transmission request command CD20 from thepersonal computer 202 after the transmission of the image data to thepersonal computer 201 is set in the image transmission apparatus 10.

When the personal computer 202 starts the communications with the imagetransmission apparatus 10, the SYN command is transmitted from thepersonal computer 202 to the image transmission apparatus 10 (stepS121). The image transmission apparatus 10 receives the SYN command fromthe personal computer 202 and then transmits the SYN and ACK command tothe personal computer 202 (step S122). Upon receiving the SYN and ACKcommand from the image transmission apparatus 10, the personal computer202 transmits the ACK command with respect to the image transmissionapparatus 10 (step S123). Upon receiving the ACK command from thepersonal computer 202, the image transmission apparatus 10 returns theOK to the personal computer 202 (step S124). At this point, the TCPconnection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10and the personal computer 202.

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmissionapparatus 10 and the personal computer 202, the personal computer 202transmits the image transmission request command CD20 as illustrated inFIG. 12 to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S125). The imagetransmission request command CD20 of FIG. 12 has the destination dataCD21 including the IP address “192.168.100.102” of the personal computer202. The destination “192.168.100.101” input in the operation panel 11of the image transmission apparatus 10 and the destination data CD21“192.168.100.102” included in the image transmission request commandCD20 do not agree with each other. Accordingly, the image transmissionapparatus 10 returns a Fail command including the TWAIN command in thepayload in the TCP to the personal computer 202 to inform the rejectionof the image data reading (step S126).

Subsequently, the personal computer 202 cuts the TCP connectionestablished with the image transmission apparatus 10 towards the end ofthe procedure in FIG. 13. The personal computer 202 transmits the FINcommand to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S127). The imagetransmission apparatus 10 transmits the ACK command with respect to thepersonal computer 202 (step S128), and then transmits the FIN commandwith respect to the personal computer 202 (step S129). Upon receivingthe FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10, the personalcomputer 202 transmits the ACK command to the image transmissionapparatus 10, and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (stepS130).

According to the image transmission apparatus 10 of the firstembodiment, therefore, the identification data (e.g., IP address) of thedestination input in the operation panel 11 and the destinations dataCD11, CD12 (e.g., IP addresses) of the respective image transmissionrequest commands CD10, CD20 are compared, and the image data aretransmitted to the destination where the identification data and thedestination agree with each other. Therefore, the image transmissionapparatus 10 can transmit the image data to the destination intended tobe the destination of the image data, thereby reducing the wrongtransmission of the image based on the requests from the unintendedpersonal computer 201 or 202.

According to the image transmission apparatus 10 of the firstembodiment, moreover, the identification data are allowed to be input,and the transmission of the image data is permitted while determiningwhether or not the original document to be scanned is set on theoriginal document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16. The originaldocument to be scanned can be allowed to correspond to theidentification data. Accordingly, in a case where another user replacesthe original document on the original document table 16 a with anotheroriginal document in a time between the input of the identification dataand the request provided from the personal computers 201, 202, the imagetransmission apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment can reduceoccurrences of transmitting the unintended image data relating to thereplaced original document.

A description is now given of modification of the first embodiment.

The image transmission apparatus 10 uses the IP address of thedestination to determine whether or not to transmit the image dataaccording to the first embodiment. However, information known only bythe user attempting to transmit the data can be included in each of theimage transmission request commands CD10, CD20. The information is, forexample, a password or a setting value such as a domain name or a mediaaccess control address (hereafter referred to as MAC address) necessaryfor the connection to the network. The modification of the firstembodiment can provide an advantage similar to that provided accordingto the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

An image transmission system according to a second embodiment is similarto that according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 exceptfor an image transmission apparatus 10A.

Referring to FIG. 14, the image transmission apparatus 10A according tothe second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.Components similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 of the first embodimentwill be given the same reference numerals.

The image transmission apparatus 10A of the second embodiment, forexample, serves as a scanner employing a flat-bed method as similar tothe first embodiment. The image transmission apparatus 10A includes: anoperation panel 11; a destination information storage unit 12A; areceiving unit 13A; a transmission permitting unit 14A; a transmissioncontrol unit 15; an image reading unit 16; an image memory 17; and atransmission unit 18. The operation panel 11, the transmission controlunit 15, the image reading unit 16, the image memory 17, and thetransmission unit 18 function similar to those described above in thefirst embodiment. The destination information storage unit 12A, thereceiving unit 13A, and the transmission permitting unit 14A of thesecond embodiment function different from the destination informationstorage unit 12, the receiving unit 13, and the transmission permittingunit 14 of the first embodiment.

The operation panel 11, serving as an identification data input unit, isused to set identification data (e.g., password) for permission of theimage data transmission. The operation panel 11 includes an output sideconnected with the destination information storage unit 12A. Thedestination information storage unit 12A, serving as a storage region,stores therein the identification data (e.g., password) set in theoperation panel 11, and includes an output side connected with thereceiving unit 13A through the transmission permitting unit 14A. Thereceiving unit 13A receives data transmitted through LAN 1 from personalcomputers 201, 202 serving as image transmission requesters, and outputsan image transmission request command CD30 among the transmission datareceived to the transmission permitting unit 14A.

The transmission permitting unit 14A compares the identification data(e.g., password) stored in the destination information storage unit 12Awith the image transmission request command CD30 received by thereceiving unit 13A. Where the identification data and the imagetransmission request command CD30 agree with each other, thetransmission permitting unit 14A provides a transmission instruction tothe transmission control unit 15. As similar to the first embodiment,the transmission control unit 15 is connected with the image readingunit 16, the image memory 17, and the transmission unit 18.

Referring to FIG. 15, an input example of the operation panel 11 of FIG.14 is illustrated. As similar to the first embodiment, the operationpanel 11, for example, includes: a display unit 11 a displaying thereonthe image data destination which is input by a user; an input key 11 bfor an input of the destination; a cursor key 11 c; a backspace key 11d; and a setting key 11 e. When the user inputs the identification data(e.g., “PASSWORD” serving as the password) using the input key 11 b toallow the transmission of the image data, the “PASSWORD” is stored inthe transmission information storage unit 12A and is displayed on thedisplay unit 11 a as illustrated in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 16, an example of the image transmission requestcommand CD30 to be received by the receiving unit 13 in the imagetransmission apparatus 10A of FIG. 14 is illustrated. The imagetransmission request command CD30 is similar to the image transmissionrequest command CD10 of FIG. 9.

For example, the image transmission request command CD30 of the secondembodiment includes a destination data CD31, a scan mode data CD33, acolor mode data CD34, an original document size data CD35, and aresolution data CD36 as similar to the image transmission requestcommand CD10 including the destination data CD11, the scan mode dataCD12, the color mode data CD13, the original document size CD14, and theresolution data CD15 described above in the first embodiment. The imagetransmission request command CD30 according to the second embodimentalso includes an identification data CD32.

The identification data CD32 include the identification data (e.g.,“PASSWORD”) for obtaining the image transmission permission with respectto the image transmission apparatus 10A. The destination data CD31includes the IP address “192.168.100.102” of the personal computer 202serving as the destination of the image data.

A description is now given of example operation of the imagetransmission system according to the second embodiment.

For example, in a case where original documents AA, BB are set atdifferent times in the image transmission apparatus 10A by a user Ausing the personal computer 201 and a user B using the personal computer202 respectively in the image transmission system as similar to thefirst embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6, the example operation of theimage transmission system according to the second embodiment differsfrom that of the first embodiment as follows.

According to the second embodiment, when the user A goes to the imagetransmission apparatus 10A to set the original document AA, the usersets a prescribed password (e.g., FIG. 15) with respect to scanned imagedata, so that the image transmission apparatus 10A allows the readingoperation only where the prescribed password (e.g., FIG. 16) is includedin reading operation activation information from the personal computers201, 202.

Referring to a flowchart of FIG. 17, a description is given of anexample operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus 10Ashown in FIG. 14.

The example operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus 10Ais described using an example case when the image data are transmittedto the personal computer 202 from the image transmission apparatus 10Abased on the request from the personal computer 201.

The image transmission apparatus 10A enters into a personal scan mode(referred to as PS mode) when detecting a plurality of prescribed keyson the operation panel 11 as being pressed for a prescribed time period.

When a process of the PS mode in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is started,the image transmission apparatus 10A allows the display unit 11 a todisplay “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT PASSWORD FOR DESTINATIONOF SCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S21). The image transmissionapparatus 10A allows a pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c to detectthe open and close operation of an original document pressing plate 16 b(step S22). Where the open and close operation of the original documentpressing plate 16 b is detected (Yes in step S22), and where theoriginal document is detected by the original document placement sensor16 d as being set on the image reading unit 16 (step S23), the imagetransmission apparatus 10A allows the display unit 11 a to display“PLEASE INPUT DESTINATION PASSWORD” thereon (step S24). Where the openand close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b is notdetected by the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c (No in step S22),or where the original document is not detected by the original documentplacement sensor 16 d as being set on the original document table 16 aof the image reading unit 16 (No in step S23), the flow returns to stepS22.

After allowing the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUTDESTINATION PASSWORD” thereon (step S24), the image transmissionapparatus 10A determines whether or not the original document placementsensor 16 d detects that the original document is not set on theoriginal document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 (step S25).Where the original document is not set (No in step S25), the flowreturns to step S21. Where the original document is set (Yes in stepS25), the image transmission apparatus 10A determines whether or not thepassword relating to the destination is input in the operation panel 11,and whether or not the setting key 11 e is pressed (step S26). Where theconditions of step 26 are not satisfied, the flow returns to step 25.

Herein, the operation of the image transmission apparatus 10A isdescribed using an example case where the user sets the passwordrelating to the personal computer 202 as the “PASSWORD” and transmitsthe image data to the personal computer 202. The image transmissionapparatus 10A detects the input of the “PASSWORD” in the operation panel11. Herein, the display unit 11 a on the display panel 11 is displaying“PASSWORD” as illustrated in FIG. 15. When the user removes the originaldocument from the image reading unit 16, the image transmissionapparatus 10A detects that the original document is not set on theoriginal document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 by theoriginal document placement sensor 16 d, and the flow returns to stepS21. The display unit 11 a is again allowed to display “PLEASE SETORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT PASSWORD FOR DESTINATION OF SCANNED DATA TOBE OUTPUT” thereon (step S21). Where the user presses the setting key 11e, that is, the conditions of step 26 are satisfied, flow proceeds tostep S27.

Where the password is input in step S26, the receiving unit 13A of theimage transmission apparatus 10A becomes in a reception waiting state ofthe image transmission request command CD30 as illustrated in FIG. 16(step S27). The image transmission apparatus 10A determines by theoriginal document placement sensor 16 d whether or not the originaldocument is not set on the original document table 16 a of the imagereading unit (step S28). Where the original document is not set (No instep S28), the flow returns to step S21. After the destination is input,the image transmission apparatus 10A determines whether a certain timeperiod has elapsed without receiving the image transmission requestcommand CD30 (step S29). Where the certain time period has elapsed (Yesin step S29), the flow of FIG. 17 is finished, thereby ending the PSmode and returning to a normal mode. The image transmission apparatus10A determines whether or not the receiving unit 13 has received theimage transmission request command CD30 as illustrated in FIG. 16through the LAN 1 (step S30). Where the image transmission requestcommand CD30 is not received (No in step 30), the flow returns to stepS28.

Where the image transmission request command CD30 is received (Yes instep S30), on the other hand, the image transmission apparatus 10Atransmits the received image transmission request command CD30 withrespect to the transmission permitting unit 14A. The transmissionpermitting unit 14A determines whether or not the password for thedestination input in the operation panel 11 and the password for thedestination included in the image transmission request command CD30received by the receiving unit 13A agree with each other (step S31).Where the password for the destination input in the operation panel 11and the password for the destination included in the image transmissionrequest command CD30 agree with each other (Yes in step S31), thetransmission permitting unit 14A permits the transmission control unit15 to transmit the image data. Where the password for the destinationinput in the operation panel 11 and the password for the destinationincluded in the image transmission request command CD30 do not agreewith each other (No in step S31), on the other hand, the flow of FIG. 17is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to the normalmode.

When the transmission of the image data is permitted by the transmissionpermitting unit 14A, the transmission control unit 15 instructs withrespect to the image reading unit 16 to start reading the originaldocument (step S32). Moreover, the transmission control unit 15instructs with respect to the transmission unit 18 to transmit the imagedata to the destination address relating to the password for thedestination set in the operation panel 11 (step S33). The imagetransmission apparatus 10A is on standby until the transmission of theimage data is finished (step S34). Where the transmission is finished(Yes in step S34), the flow of FIG. 17 is finished, thereby ending thePS mode and returning to the normal mode.

Referring to FIGS. 18, 19, a description is given of an examplecommunication procedure in a case where the transmission permitting unit14A shown in FIG. 14 permits the transmission according to the secondembodiment. Particularly, the description is given using: a firstexample procedure (with respect to FIG. 18) of communications betweenthe image transmission apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 14 and the personalcomputer 201 shown in FIG. 6 when the image data are transmitted to thepersonal computer 202 in a normal manner based on the image transmissionrequest command CD30 from the personal computer 201 in an attempt of thetransmission of the image data to the personal computer 202 by the imagetransmission apparatus 10A; and a second example procedure (with respectto FIG. 19) of communications between the image transmission apparatus10A and the personal computer 202.

In the first and second communication procedures according to the secondembodiment, the commands (e.g., SYN, SYN and ACK, ACK, Successful, andFIN commands) similar to those used between the image transmissionapparatus 10 and the personal computers 201, 202 in the first embodimentare used.

The communications between the image transmission apparatus 10A and thepersonal computer 201 are started in step S27 in the flowchart of FIG.17.

In the first example communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 18,when the personal computer 201 starts the communications with the imagetransmission apparatus 10A, the SYN command is transmitted from thepersonal computer 201 with respect to the image transmission apparatus10A (step S201). The image transmission apparatus 10A receives the SYNcommand from the personal computer 201, and transmits the SYN and ACKcommand (step S202). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from theimage transmission apparatus 10A, the personal computer 201 transmitsthe ACK command with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10A(step S203). Upon receiving the ACK command from the personal computer201, the image transmission apparatus 10A returns an okay response (OK)to the personal computer 201 (step S204). At this point, a TCPconnection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10Aand the personal computer 201.

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmissionapparatus 10A and the personal computer 201, the personal computer 201transmits the image transmission request command CD30 as illustrated inFIG. 16 to the image transmission apparatus 10A (step S205). Where thepassword serving as the identification data input in the operation panel11 of the image transmission apparatus 10A and the “PASSWORD” serving asthe identification data CD32 included in the image transmission requestcommand CD30 agree with each other, the image transmission apparatus 10Atransmits the Successful command including the TWAIN command in thepayload in the TCP to the personal computer 201 (step S206).

Since the image transmission request command CD30 is accepted, thepersonal computer 201 cuts the TCP connection established with the imagetransmission apparatus 10A towards the end of the procedure of FIG. 18.Herein, the personal computer 201 transmits the FIN command to the imagetransmission apparatus 10A (step S207). The image transmission apparatus10A transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 201(step S208), and then transmits the FIN command with respect to thepersonal computer 201 (step S209). Upon receiving the FIN command fromthe image transmission apparatus 10A, the personal computer 201transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10A, andthe cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S210).

Subsequently, the image transmission apparatus 10A starts the secondcommunication procedure to transmit the image data to the destinationdata CD31 included in the image transmission request command CD30. Sincethe destination data CD31 of the image transmission request command CD30as illustrated in FIG. 16 includes the IP address “192.168.100.102” ofthe personal computer 202, the image transmission apparatus 10A startsthe second communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 19 toestablish the TCP connection between the image transmission apparatus10A and the personal computer 202.

In the procedure of FIG. 19, the SYN command is transmitted from theimage transmission apparatus 10A to the personal computer 202 (stepS211). Upon receiving the SYN command from the image transmissionapparatus 10A, the personal computer 202 transmits the SYN and ACKcommand to the image transmission apparatus 10A (step S212). The imagetransmission apparatus 10A transmits the ACK command with respect to thepersonal computer 202 upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from thepersonal computer 202 (step S213). Upon receiving the ACK command fromthe image transmission apparatus 10A, the personal computer 202 returnsan okay (OK) response to the image transmission apparatus 10A (stepS214). At this point, the TCP connection is established between theimage transmission apparatus 10A and the personal computer 202.

Subsequently the image transmission apparatus 10A notifies with respectto the personal computer 202 of “image transmissible” indicating thatthe image data are acquirable since the transmission of the image datato the personal computer 202 is permitted (step S215). Since theacquisition of the image data is permitted, the personal computer 202transmits the Scan command including the TWAIN command in the payload inthe TCP to the image transmission apparatus 10A (step S216). Uponreceiving the Scan command from the personal computer 202, the imagetransmission apparatus 10A starts reading the original document, andtransmits the Successful command including the TWAIN command in thepayload in the TCP to the personal computer 202 (step S217).Subsequently, the personal computer 202 transmits the ReadData commandincluding the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the imagetransmission apparatus 10A to read the image data from the imagetransmission apparatus 10A (step S218). Herein, the data having 100 kilobytes are requested to be read in FIG. 19. The image transmissionapparatus 10A transmits a readable image data size to the personalcomputer 202 with the Successful command including the TWAIN command inthe payload in the TCP (step S219). The image transmission apparatus 10Acontinues to transmit ImageData which are read to the personal computer202 (step S220). The personal computer 202 transmits the ReadDatacommand of the image data and continues to read the image data.

In a case where no readable image data remains, the personal computer202 transmits the ReadData command to the image transmission apparatus10A (step S221), and is notified of zero (0) as the size of the imagedata read from the image transmission apparatus 10A (step S222).Accordingly, the personal computer 202 finishes the image data reading.

The personal computer 202 cuts the TCP connection established with theimage transmission apparatus 10A towards the end of the procedure inFIG. 19. The personal computer 202 transmits the FIN command to theimage transmission apparatus 10A (step S223). The image transmissionapparatus 10A transmits the ACK command with respect to the personalcomputer 202 (step S224), and then transmits the FIN command withrespect to the personal computer 202 (step S225). Upon receiving the FINcommand from the image transmission apparatus 10A, the personal computer202 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10A,and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S226).

A description is given of an example communication procedure in a casewhere the transmission is rejected according to the second embodiment.The description is given using an example command serving as an imagetransmission request command CD40 transmitted from the personal computer202 as illustrated in FIG. 20 and an example communication procedure asillustrated in FIG. 21.

The image transmission request command CD40 includes: a destination dataCD41, an identification data CD42, a scan mode data CD43, a color modedata CD44, an original document size data CD45, and a resolution dataCD46 as similar to the image transmission request command CD30 of FIG.16. The identification data CD42 includes “PASSWORD” as illustrated inFIG. 20 unlike the identification data CD32 having the “PC202” asillustrated in FIG. 16.

The example communication procedure in FIG. 21 illustrates in a casewhere the transmission is rejected by the transmission permitting unit14 of FIG. 14 according to the second embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 20, 21, the example communication procedure isdescribed of the communications between the image transmission apparatus10A and the personal computer 202 when the image transmission apparatus10A receives the image transmission request command CD40 from thepersonal computer 202 after the identification data (e.g., “PASSWORD”)are set in the image transmission apparatus 10A of FIG. 14.Particularly, the description is given of the communications between theimage transmission apparatus 10A and the personal computer 202 when theimage transmission apparatus 10A receives the image transmission requestcommand CD40 including the identification data CD42 (e.g., PC 202) beingdifferent from the identification data which are set in the imagetransmission apparatus 10A.

When the personal computer 202 starts the communications with the imagetransmission apparatus 10A, a SYN command is transmitted from thepersonal computer 202 with respect to the image transmission apparatus10A (step S231). The image transmission apparatus 10A receives the SYNcommand from the personal computer 202, and transmits a SYN and ACKcommand (step S232). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from theimage transmission apparatus 10A, the personal computer 202 transmits anACK command with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10A (stepS233). Upon receiving the ACK command from the personal computer 202,the image transmission apparatus 10A returns an okay response (OK) tothe personal computer 202 (step S234). At this point, a TCP connectionis established between the image transmission apparatus 10A and thepersonal computer 202.

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmissionapparatus 10A and the personal computer 202, the personal computer 202transmits the image transmission request command CD40 as illustrated inFIG. 20 to the image transmission apparatus 10A (step S235). Herein, theimage transmission request command CD40 as illustrated in FIG. 20includes the identification data CD42 having the “PC202” therein. Theidentification data CD42, however, does not agree with the “PASSWORD”serving as the identification data input in the operation panel 11 ofthe image transmission apparatus 10A. Accordingly, the imagetransmission apparatus 10A returns a Fail command including the TWAINcommand in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 202 to informthe rejection of the image data reading (step S236).

Subsequently, the personal computer 202 cuts the TCP connectionestablished with the image transmission apparatus 10A towards the end ofthe procedure in FIG. 21. Herein, the personal computer 202 transmits aFIN command to the image transmission apparatus 10A (step S237). Theimage transmission apparatus 10A transmits the ACK command with respectto the personal computer 202 (step S238), and then transmits the FINcommand with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S239). Uponreceiving the FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10A, thepersonal computer 202 transmits the ACK command to the imagetransmission apparatus 10A, and the cutting of the TCP connection iscompeted (step S240).

According to the image transmission apparatus 10A of the secondembodiment, therefore, the identification data (e.g., “PASSWORD”) of thedestination input in the operation panel 11 and the identification dataCD32 (e.g., “PASSWORD”) of the image transmission request command CD30are compared, and the image data are transmitted to the destinationwhere the identification data and the identification data CD32 agreewith each other. Therefore, the image transmission apparatus 10A cantransmit the image data to the destination intended to be thedestination of the image data, thereby reducing the wrong transmissionof the image based on the requests from the unintended personal computer201 or 202. Since the image transmission request command CD30 includesthe destination data CD31 and the identification data CD32, the imagedata can be transmitted in case where a personal computer (e.g.,personal computer 201) serving as a requester of the image datatransmission and a personal computer (e.g., personal computer 202)serving as a destination of the image data are different from eachother.

A description is now given of modification of the second embodiment.

The image transmission apparatus 10A uses the password as theidentification data to determine whether or not to transmit the imagedata according to the second embodiment. However, information, servingas the identification data, known only by the user attempting totransmit the data can be included in the image transmission requestcommands CD30. The modification of the second embodiment can provide anadvantage similar to that provided according to the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 21, an image transmission apparatus 10B according to athird embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Componentssimilar to that illustrated in FIG. 14 of the second embodiment will begiven the same reference numerals.

In the image transmission apparatus 10B of the third embodiment, atransmission control unit 15 is connected with a peripheral device 30(e.g., storage) through a local interface 19. The local interface 19 is,for example, a universal serial bus (USB), and can transmit image datato be transmitted to the transmission unit 18 to the storage 30. Othercomponents and configurations of the image transmission apparatus 10Baccording to the third embodiment are similar to those of the imagetransmission apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment, anddescriptions thereof are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

A description is now given of operation of the third embodiment.

In case where an IP address “192.168.100.100” of the image transmissionapparatus 10B is designated in a destination data CD31 included in animage transmission request command CD30 to be transmitted to the imagetransmission apparatus 10B from the personal computers 201, 202, theimage data read by an image reading unit 16 and stored in an imagememory 17 are stored in the storage 30 through the transmission controlunit 15 and the local interface 19.

According to the second embodiment described above, the destination ofthe image data is personal computer 201 or 202. According to the thirdembodiment, on the other hand, the image data can be transmitted to andstored in the storage 30 connected to the image transmission apparatus10B, thereby enhancing the utilization of the image data.

A description is now given of modification of the third embodiment.

The storage 30 is connected to the image transmission apparatus 10Baccording to the third embodiment. However, another peripheral devicecan be connected to the image transmission apparatus 10B instead of thestorage 30. Moreover, in addition to the personal computers 201, 202, orthe peripheral device such as the storage 30, a device or a storage uniton the network such as the LAN 1 can serve as the destination of theimage data.

The present invention has been described above with regard to the first,second, and third embodiments, and the modifications thereof, but thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, the presentinvention can be modified, or various utilization of the presentinvention can be allowed as follows.

The structures of the image transmission apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10Bcan be changed other than respective FIGS. 1, 14, and 22 describedabove. Moreover, the communications between the image transmissionapparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B and the personal computers 201, 202 can bechanged other than the example communication procedures described abovewith reference to the respective drawings.

The image processing apparatus serving as the image transmissionrequester can be a terminal other than the personal computers 201, 202described above.

Each of the image transmission apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B can beapplied to a multi-functional peripheral (MFP), a photocopier, and afacsimile device and the like other than the scanner described above.

In addition to the designation of the above flat-bed method by which theoriginal document is manually placed to be read by the image readingunit 16, each of the image transmission apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B canallow the automatic document feeder (ADF) to be designated toautomatically feed the original document and can allow the reading unit16 to read the original document. In a case where the ADF is designated,an original document stacking portion sensor can be disposed in the ADFto determine whether or not the original document is set in an originaldocument stacking portion of the ADF. Accordingly the original documentstacking sensor can detect the replacement of the original documentinstead of the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 described above.

Each of the image transmission apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B allows theoriginal document placement sensor 16 d to determine whether or not theoriginal document placed on the original document table 16 a is changed.However, each of the image transmission apparatuses 10, 10A, and 10B candetermine whether or not the original document is changed by detectingthe presence or absence of the open and close operation of the pressingplate open-close sensor 16 c.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous additionalmodifications and variation of the present invention are possible inlight of the above-described teachings. It is therefore to be understoodthat, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of thispatent specification may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

1. An image transmission apparatus comprising: an image input unitallowing image data to be input therefrom; an identification data inputunit allowing identification data to be input thereto for permission totransmit the image data input; a receiving unit receiving transmissioninformation relating to an image transmission request transmitted froman image transmission requester; a transmission unit transmitting theimage data input; a transmission permitting unit determining whether ornot to permit the transmission of the image data based on theidentification data input and the transmission information received; anda transmission control unit allowing the image data input to betransmitted through the transmission unit where the transmissionpermitting unit determines to permit the transmission of the image data.2. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thetransmission information received by the receiving unit indicates adestination being different from the image transmission requester. 3.The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imagetransmission requester serves as an image processing apparatusperforming a process of the image data.
 4. The image transmissionapparatus according to claim 1, being connected with a peripheraldevice, and wherein the transmission information received by thereceiving unit indicates the peripheral device.
 5. The imagetransmission apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the peripheraldevice serves as a storage device storing the image data.
 6. The imagetransmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identificationdata to be input in the identification data input unit are uniqueinformation identifying the image transmission requester.
 7. The imagetransmission apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the uniqueinformation is any one of an Internet protocol address, a password, adomain name, and a media access control address.
 8. The imagetransmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an imagedata change detection unit detecting a change of the image data.
 9. Theimage transmission apparatus according to claim 8, wherein theidentification data input unit requests a new input of theidentification data in a case where the image data change detection unitdetects the change of the image data.
 10. The image transmissionapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image input unit allows theimage data of an original document to be input therefrom; and whereinthe image data change detection unit detects the change of the imagedata by re-detecting the original document from the image input unitafter the detection of the original document from the image data unit isstopped.
 11. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the image input unit allows the image data of an originaldocument, placed on an original document table covered with an originaldocument pressing plate capable of opening and closing, to be inputtherefrom, and wherein the image data change detection unit detects thechange of the image data by detecting the closing of the originaldocument pressing plate after detecting the opening of the originaldocument pressing plate.